It was a trifecta for Romney to score the backing of Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart and former Rep. Lincoln Diaz Balart, all staunch supporters of the embargo. (Earlier, Romney had drawn the support of former Florida Sen. Mel Martinez, another influential Cuban-American. The four politicos had backed Sen. John McCain in 2008.)

Yet the clash of endorsers and their issues shows what a tightrope presidential candidates must walk when they campaign across the country. A supporter that works in one state (or even part of a state, such as South Florida) may not work -- and could potentially backfire -- elsewhere. It's tricky for the endorsers, too, who stand to be accused of putting their party over their principles when their presidential pick (or one of his surrogates) doesn't agree with them on some of their key issues.

It's safe to say the Cuban-Americans won't be stumping for Romney in Flake's district in Arizona -- and Flake won't be glad-handing for Romney in South Florida.